Grosjean gets three-place grid penalty for Mexico, escapes race ban

Romain Grosjean has been handed a three-place grid penalty for next weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix after hitting Charles Leclerc, moving him within two points of a one-race ban. 

The Haas driver collided with Leclerc at Turn 12 on the opening lap of the United States Grand Prix as he locked-up under braking and ran into the side of the Sauber, causing damage to both cars.

Grosjean was forced into immediate retirement for the incident while Leclerc also dropped out at the half-way mark.

The stewards reviewed the incident and heard from both drivers and team representatives, concluded that Grosjean was wholly to blame for the collision.

“Video evidences showed that entering Turn 12 Car 8 [Grosjean] locked tyres and made contact with Car 16 [Leclerc],” an FIA notice read.

“As a result of the incident both cars suffered damage and Car 8 had to retire.

“The stewards noted that Car 8 lifted and braked early because of the positions of the cars in front, but nevertheless Car 8 made contact with Car 16.”

Grosjean was also handed a penalty point “in recognition of the circumstances”, putting the Frenchman onto 10 out of the maximum limit of 12 for the current 12 month period.

Crucially, it means Grosjean has narrowly escaped a race ban, with the next points being wiped off his licence following the next race in Mexico.